Emma Bristow
Here in Great Britain, we have been fortunate enough to enjoy the success of a certain Dougie Lampkin, who dominated the FIM Trial World Championship from 1997 to 2003 when he put the ‘Great’ back into Great Britain. Since his glory days on the world scene, we’ve had a drought in the UK with no one coming close to matching his winning years — or have we? Move your thoughts away from the maledominated sport to the ladies, and our own Emma Bristow.
In a world so far away from Dougie’s sporting upbringing and his famous family success, Emma came from a family where motorcycles were only for fun. It was a passion for action of the two-wheeled variety from a very young age and a family-supported venture that would bring her to where she is today.
In 2012, Emma Bristow showed her potential to challenge for major honours against her rivals both at home and abroad. Sherco boss, Marc Teissier, noticed this commitment. He approached Emma at the end of the season. He offered her a ‘Full Factory’ two-year deal to include all the major events to help her realise her ambitions on a motorcycle as a professional athlete. She did not disappoint.
Wind the clock forward, and you will find the six-time FIM Ladies’ Trial World Championship also became the first-ever winner of the FIM SuperEnduro Woman
World Championship in 2014, taking world cup victory again in 2015; all with Sherco.
Despite the current problems around the COVID-19 Coronavirus affecting everyone, Emma remains focused on the future in her world of motorcycle sport.
Was the Sherco contract back in 2013 the stepping stone to success?
In 2012, I had a good season riding the Ossa and had quite a successful year, repeating my finish in 2011 of second in the World Championship.
Feeling like I was getting very close to winning a world championship round, I felt that it was realistic to become world champion, and this made me work even harder. I had no intention of leaving the Ossa Factory at this point, and they had made me an offer I was happy with. Both the Ossa factory and the UK importers, Nigel and June Birkett, were fantastic and it was a very difficult decision to leave.
It came about when, at the end of 2012, I went to test a Sherco in Spain.
James had organised a professional contract with
Sherco, but I had never really liked his machine, and I wasn’t expecting to like the
Sherco during the test.
We were in Spain with
Ossa talking about the
2013 season, and we had also organised a contract I was happy with, but
James insisted we still go to test the
Sherco the following day. So against my will, we did. I first went to the factory to meet everyone and was then taken to Paxau’s to test a specially prepared machine. After five minutes on the Sherco, I was shocked; I was expecting it not to be to my liking, but I didn’t. It felt amazing, and I was so confused! I rode it well, and Paxau told me I would be world champion within two years if I rode this machine. I then broke down in tears on the top of a hill in Torello, Spain. I knew I had to tell Ossa, and Nigel and June at Ossa UK, that I was leaving. That night I made a phone call to Nigel and his wife June. First, I spoke to June. We were both very upset, but they understood my decision and have always been supportive even to this day. That was one of the hardest phone calls of my life!
I signed a three-year contract to ride the Sherco as a fully supported factory rider with the chance to train and live with Albert Cabestany. He was their factory number one rider. Over the winter, with all the support I needed to improve, I lived as a professional rider. It was the opportunity I had been waiting for, and I took it with both hands
Was the change of machinery a problem for you?
As I said previously, I was shocked at how good the machine was so the change to Sherco was easy. Straight away, I felt at home. I rode for four hours every day with Cabestany throughout December 2012 and into January and February. He helped me adapt to the machine’s dynamics, although we were both adapting to ride non-stop as the rules had changed. This was the biggest change to my riding and probably helped me not think about being on a new machine so much.
It was good being with Albert. He would always offer me advice and would generally finish his sessions by making me a section and giving me some pointers. It was an easy transition really, and I was improving all the time, but I wasn’t keen on eating a two-hour lunch every day as I just wanted to ride! I arrived back in the UK a week before the first Ladies’ British round and felt like I’d been on the Sherco for years.
In 2013, my first year with Sherco, I managed to win the European Championship, I won my first Trial GP round and, after a nail-biting finish to the world championship at the final round, I just missed out to finish second in the world for the third year in a row! It was hard to take. Being so close, I knew I was going to make 2014 my year.
Take us back to life before the Ossa and your entry into motorcycle trials.
When I was four years old, I had my dad, a brother, two uncles, three male cousins and one female cousin. Being older than me, they all – guess what — rode motorcycles. Everyone always looked like they were having so much fun, so it was only natural that I would also ask for one and join in. I saw it as a choice; join in and ride or sit and watch. I’m not much of a spectator, as you’ve probably worked out!
In my early years, I never had pressure; I was never made to ride sections or keep my feet up. Instead, I would simply whizz around the family farm and fields all day playing followthe-leader without a care in the world. This is what got me hooked on motorcycles, and it was official — I had the ‘bug’. At this point, I never saw motorcycle trials as a career but merely a social activity you share with your friends and family to make many happy memories together.
As I got older, I started to ride local club trials, and it was suggested that I was quite good and should go to the Girls’ British Trials
Championship. So in 2004, dad took me to my first national event, Round 1 of the Women’s and Girls’ ACU British Trials Championship. We didn’t have any experience between us; I probably hadn’t changed my air filter for two months. We had no idea what to expect, but it was fun. It was my first ever Girls’ trial, and I won. We decided to compete in the rest of the championship, and I ended up winning the series to take my first ever ACU British Championship title later that year.
When was the move into the FIM Ladies’ World Championship made?
It’s a similar story internationally. In 2006 a good friend of mine, Donna Fox, suggested I should go with her to Italy and ride the European Championship. I really wanted to go so we shared a van, and I slept in a tent. I don’t think I had a great result, but it was a fantastic experience and one I wanted to enjoy more of, so we bought a motorhome. Dad and I went to the world championship with no idea of what was to come. I managed a ninth place in the Andorra round at the age of 16.
Competing on the Gas Gas over the next few years, I contested the European and World rounds. It was such good fun travelling around Europe as I’d never been abroad before. What started out as fun really shaped my life into something amazing, so I have plenty to be thankful for.
In 2010, you took the Gas Gas onto the podium for the first time in France.
It was a really good experience, supported by my future husband, James Fry. The hazards that day suited me and it sent out a strong message that I was getting more confident. James has always believed in me and it was now my turn to show him I was listening!
With support from the Shirt family, who were the Gas Gas UK importers, I had a good year in 2010 learning all the time and finishing the year fourth in the world. John explained that he was not able to offer more support and that’s when I was approached by Ossa, at the 2010 TDN. I tested the machine with Nigel Birkett at his Lake District base and my mind was made up as to what I would be riding in 2011 — the Ossa.
Why the move to Ossa?
I tested the new Ossa, it was very good to ride and the factory in Spain was so enthusiastic, as were the UK importers Nigel and June Birkett. I thanked the Shirt family, who were very supportive of my move and I still have a superb relationship with the Shirt family.
It was a totally new machine, and both James and I agreed it would be a good move. All the team at the factory made me so welcome, and with Nigel and June looking after me in the UK, I was more than happy.
With such a new machine, there were some early problems but, with Nigel’s experience, he always had a solution.
With the fuel injection system, they were able to ‘map’ the machine to what I wanted; the suspension setup was superb, and the whole package suited me down to the ground.
And the results came…
You could say that. My rival at the time was Laia Sanz; she was the one to beat, and that was my focus. I’d looked up to her for many years as I came through the ranks, but now I started to believe I could beat her.
In 2011, on the Ossa, I finished second to her in the world championship and second in the European Championship, a feat I repeated in 2012. At home, I’d won the women’s class in the Scottish Six Days Trial (one of my favourite trials) and I was practising hard and learning all the time.
At the end of 2012, we heard the news that the Ossa factory was not in such a good situation, and that’s when Sherco showed an interest in me. It would prove to be the missing link in my ambitions.
A Sherco future?
Yes, it’s fair to say that the move to Sherco changed my life. I have already spoken about how it happened, as I never expected this move. It has been an incredible journey that made it possible for me to turn my childhood hobby into a real career. I felt very privileged to be given this opportunity, and I intended to make very good use of it. I wanted to make Sherco proud of me. Turning into a true professional athlete didn’t make it easier overnight. Yes, it was nice to have a regular salary, but I was investing much of it into training in Spain, buying rocks at home or travelling to practice and staying at hotels, often near my favourite places to practice in the UK which were the ‘Camp’ at Scarborough and Hawk’s Nest in Buxton, Derbyshire, at that time.
Now, I try not to travel quite so much because years of travelling has made it tiring. We have developed plenty of useful sections at home, which allows me to feel fresher for competition at the weekend.
Tell us about your 2013 season.
Finishing second in the world, for the third year in a row, was a tough blow to take, especially after such a close day of competition at the final round. The boss of Sherco, Marc Teissier, had followed me all day, willing me to win, which made the loss even harder. It was a tense day but looking back now it taught me a lot about how to handle pressure, and it showed I was going to be a serious threat in 2014.
Winning my first WTC round in Andorra worked wonders for my confidence in the early part of the championship. Knowing you can win at the highest level in any sport, is very satisfying but for me. The WTC was very much unfinished business; coming second place was not where I wanted to be, and I was sick of it! At the ‘Scottish’, I had a very enjoyable six days. To win the Best Lady Rider award and a coveted Special First Class award made me feel very proud of both myself and Sherco.
You also won the European Championship in 2013.
Yes. Initially, I was not going to contest this, but I wanted to compete as much as could. Knowing I could make it a two-day affair and compete against the ‘lads’ the following day on harder sections, was enough to draw me in. On reflection, I consider that championship win very important; I won every round, and it helped me understand how to make winning a habit by changing my mindset. Something had started to change.
For the last two seasons, I had been fighting for the British title taking it down to the wire and losing out at the final round, but, in 2013, my confidence and self-belief were building fast; I won every round with only one thing on my mind: winning. I got great satisfaction from this, not only for myself, but also for Sherco, and the UK importers, Malcolm and Rhoda Rathmell, who were giving me important mentorship at this time too.
2014 was your year.
Yes, 100%. I achieved my ultimate goal; the FIM Ladies’ World Trials Champion. I can’t believe that was now six years ago! What’s so strange is that, in the same year, I competed in a full series of SuperEnduro before the trials season even began. At the time, Sherco was making a big push with their enduro models, concentrating heavily on the development of their enduro machines. I think you will agree; today they have one of the best enduro ranges on the market, with amazing riders and results to date.
Winning the FIM SuperEnduro Women’s
Cup in 2014 and 2015, I found it invaluable for strength training and mental training which, without doubt, helped me with my trials riding. The enduro four-stroke 250cc model was a good 30kg heavier than my trials machine, and when I returned after the winter season of training, I felt fitter and stronger in the trials.
Another thing, racing had helped me with my nerves; I would be petrified at the start of the race with the stadium full of crowds. I had to learn to control this.
Competing in these two years of SuperEnduro was exciting and I cherish the memories of this. I recommend it to anyone; it is such a buzz! What I won’t ever forget is the help and support from the Rathmells at this time of my career.
On the morning of the final round of the
2014 FIM Trial World Championship round, no result — other than winning — would see me lift the title. Malcolm and Rhoda made a surprise trip to support me. I’m sure they were nervous watching me all day, but we did it as a team. I will always remember the team photo at the end of the season, where I felt pure relief and happiness.
FIM Ladies’ World Champion: 2014 to 2019.
Yes, I am proud to say I am six-time FIM World Champion. It’s not easy to keep winning every year as I am the one to beat. I know this, and this comes with extra pressure to perform, but also I am proud to have put myself in this position.
As the season heightens, I become more critical about my performance and remind myself of the training in my locker over the winter, which no-one can take away. It’s always important to peak at the time of the world championship and, with it, comes stress but also internal motivation. There’s nothing better than the final practice session before leaving for the world championship and feeling ‘on fire’; this is always my aim. When I turn up, I am on top of my game, year after year.
I am so thankful to everyone that has helped me throughout my career; I have only ever felt pressure from myself — never from my team. My family has always been so supportive, and they have seen the daily grind, including my mental highs and lows that come naturally with high-level competition and performing.
When I look back on the last ten years, my life could’ve taken so many different paths. Would I have changed any of it? No, not one bit!
Tell us something about your personal life.
I must admit competing at such a high level for such a long time, some of my personal life has been put on hold. I’ve missed so many nights out, family gatherings, weddings and get-togethers, which sometimes takes a toll. You could say I’ve missed out on things, but I have also achieved and had many experiences which cannot ever be taken away.
At the end of 2018, when the season was finished, I married my best friend, James Fry. This was such a nice time in my life as I could actually focus on something other than riding a motorcycle! It was such a happy day for us both. The room was filled with family and friends that we had made, from all over the world. The day after our wedding we had our first ever holiday together — no motorcycles, just us, for a honeymoon in Mexico which we will never forget!
You also love the Scottish Six Days and Scott Trials.
Yes, I do, they are both excellent events and a true challenge in the world of motorcycle trials. My highest position at the SSDT is 29th in 2019 but I know I can do better. As with the Scott Trial, I like the pain and pushing myself through it. These events are special and very much a challenge of rider and the machine, which I thrive on.
My early days at Ossa turned me into a good mechanic. I prepare well and have every confidence that I can keep my machine, as well as myself, in good condition during the trial.
A Scott Silver Spoon winner in 2016!
My first Silver Spoon was, without a doubt, very high on the list on my greatest achievements as no woman had ever achieved this before. It’s the ultimate test of a rider’s resilience to keep pushing all day to be the best in the most demanding conditions of time and observation.
In 2019, I finished 17th overall, something I am very proud of and, with it, collected my second Silver Spoon. Malcolm Rathmell was more than happy to pass on his years of experience from the event.
I had come so close in the previous years so when the scores were read out in the reverse order, as is the tradition, I could have screamed when my name was read out as a Scott Silver Spoon winner. In my eyes, it was a reflection on the support from so many people who believed in me and said I could do it, and I had finally delivered!
And so, for the moment, is 2020 on hold?
Yes. Although I was happy with my pre-season training in Spain this year, COVID-19 has put a hold on everything. It’s strange for me to have a break mid-season. However, keeping safe and being sensible is the priority so riding motorcycles can wait — but hopefully not too long!
Before I close, I would like to thank both the Sherco factory, and the Teissier family, for giving me the life-changing opportunity, and the MRS Sherco team here in the UK for welcoming me into their family. Malcolm and Rhoda Rathmell have encouraged me and not stopped believing in me, as have so many other people over the years. To my family and husband, James, I can never thank them enough and thank you to everyone else too, including all my sponsors and supporters over the years.
It’s always a sad day for me when sponsors change, but I never forget your support, and I owe all my success and want to share all the glory with all of you as we did all this together. Thank You.